Galatasaray accelerates stadium renovation ahead of FC Barcelona clash

Galatasaray is preparing to renew the pitch at Rams Park ahead of hosting FC Barcelona in the second round of the group stage of the UEFA Champions League on October 13.

According to "Mundo Deportivo", the Turkish club has decided to take advantage of the upcoming international break to renew the pitch of their stadium, following criticism it received regarding its condition during the early weeks of the season, with the aim of preparing it before FC Barcelona's arrival.

Galatasaray has already started laying new grass, taking advantage of playing their next match away against Trabzonspor on Saturday, before the competitions pause until October 11. The club will also use artificial lighting to accelerate the growth of the grass and enhance its condition.

The move came after the match against Kocaelispor, which took place last Sunday and ended with Galatasaray winning by a goal to nil. The pitch appeared uneven, causing the ball to bounce inconsistently and making it difficult to play, which led to increased criticism and opened the floor for discussion within the club.

Maintaining a pitch that accommodates 53,000 fans poses a regular challenge for Galatasaray, given the climatic conditions in Istanbul, especially during the summer, when high temperatures lead to grass fatigue and difficulty in recovery.

Weather conditions remain a crucial factor in the renewal process, as replacing the grass takes a relatively short time. However, Galatasaray is striving to ensure the stability of their new pitch perfectly before facing FC Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League.